Galatasaray v Chelsea: Didier Drogba’s top five Blues goals

Didier Drogba faces Chelsea for the first time since leaving in 2012 (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea’s trip to Galatasaray tonight is likely to see Didier Drogba line up against his former side for the first time since his 2012 departure.

It will be Chelsea fans’ first chance to see the Ivorian in person since he scored the penalty which finally handed the Blues the Champions League title – the competition in which they will be hoping to gain a foothold in the last eight at the Turk Telekom Arena.

And while John Terry and co. will be planning to keep Drogba at bay tonight, there can be no forgetting some of his best goals while playing in a blue shirt.

Here is just a short selection.

Chelsea v Liverpool (2006/07)

Drogba netted a few special goals in front of the Stamford Bridge faithful, but this cracking effort against Liverpool has to be up there with the best of them. The touch, turn and execution was simply unstoppable.

Everton v Chelsea (2006/07)

The Toffees defenders here proved why it is so crucial not to allow Drogba an inch of space, as he took full advantage of Alan Stubbs’ generosity to chest the ball down, turn and lash home a dipping rocket over the head of Tim Howard from 30 yards.

Chelsea v Liverpool (FA Cup final 2012)

Always the man for the big occasion, Drogba scored in all four FA Cup finals he played in, not to mention countless other finals. None of his efforts were to be sniffed at, but this is our favourite. Frank Lampard’s build-up play set the Ivorian on his way and he finished in style, with first touch, close control and a sneaky left-footed strike all contributing.

Champions League final equaliser

For just over half an hour, this was Drogba’s finest moment in a Chelsea shirt. The Blues had spent more or less the entire Champions League final fending off attacks from Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. But Chelsea fans had faith. It may have been their first corner, coming in the 87th-minute, but they were going to score. And it had to be Drogba, rising highest to power a header past Manuel Neuer and take the game to extra time.

The perfect ending

With his imminent departure from Stamford Bridge all but confirmed, how else could Drogba’s emotional eight-year association with the Blues end? It just had to be.